A man was taken to hospital after a fire at his home left him with serious injuries.

Two fire engines and 11 firefighters were called to the house in Church Road, Folkestone, at 6.15pm on Friday evening after a neighbour heard the smoke alarm and called 999.

The fire had started after a chip pan was left unattended.

The kitchen was badly damaged and the house suffered smoke damage.

Folkestone watch manager Mike Dennis said: “We advise residents to never leave a chip pan unattended, and never fill it more than a third full with oil.

“If it does catch fire, never try to move it, or put water on it.”

He added: “It is so important to always have working smoke alarms in your home.”